Timothy Adam Designs

This should have been the first interview I did, but my life has a whole bunch of  “shoulda”s.  Tim Adam, founder of Handmadeology.com, owner of TimothyAdamDesigns, self-taught conqueror of SEO and most things internet, is now getting his turn to be featured here on Inside Etsy.

Without a doubt, Tim would surely be voted “Most Helpful” if ever there were an Etsy annual.  His giving nature does not begin or end in the handmade community.  It is simply an extension of the giving that he does on a daily basis in his home, his church, and his community—on or offline. There’s no luck involved when you work as hard as Tim does.  His success is well-deserved!

Do you consider yourself successful at this point? Granted, like mine, I’m sure your bar of success is raised everyday, but how do you feel about your business today?

I do!  Quitting my job in 2007 helped me realize that doing what I love and making a living can happen!  Sure, my business if ever-changing and evolving.  Flexibility comes with the territory of owning your own business. To this date, I am happy with where my business has taken me and the direction it is headed.

Unlike in my posts, where I constantly make references to my family, I don't see mentions of your family in your postings, other than the standard issue that you have one. (But I’m a tell-all kind of girl. I always say, "God knows the truth. What does it matter if everybody else does?")  Is your wife a stay-at-home mom or does she fly the "Corporate Woman" flag?  What does she think about all of these wonderful things you are accomplishing?  And if you just don't want to talk about your family, then we'll skip it, but I am curious.   It kills more than cats, I find.

My wife, Christina, is self-employed like myself.  She is an amazing photographer. Here is her site: Gracedesignsphotography.com.  I would not be where I am today with out the love and support of my wife. We have a 10 month old boy, Camden, and a Jack Russel named Sadie.  We live in a 1923 dutch colonial, where we mix our modern style with old architecture.

Why did you decide to make a hard-copy of your book "How to Make Money Using Etsy" instead of selling it as an e-book?

I really never was looking to write a book.  In 2010 the publisher came to me and asked me to write the book.  So making a hard copy with a larger publisher behind me was a simple decision to make!

Are you going to branch into offering affiliate programs for your book (and other awesome materials)?

We are currently working on an affiliate program for all the products that Handmadeology offers. We will be teaching bloggers how to make extra money each month from simply selling our top notch proven products.

What is the hardest part of being "Tim Adam—Handmade Etceteraordinaire"? (That’s my own personal name for you.)

I think the hardest part is separating work from family.  With work being one click away, it is difficult to get away.  I love what I do and I love my family, so defining that line between work and family time is something that I work on everyday.

Thanks, Tim, for all that you do for me and everyone else looking for a piece of that handmade pie.  You are truly an embodiment of what the Etsy community is all about.

Visit the Handmadeology shop on Etsy and peruse all of the helpful tools that have been packaged together to help you achieve success in your very own Etsy shop.

Tim can be found everywhere on the internet:

Pinterest:  http://pinterest.com/handmadeology

Facebook  http://www.facebook.com/TimothyAdamDesigns

Twitter @timothyadam

Blog:  www.TimothyAdamDesigns.blogspot.com

Etsy:  www.TimothyAdamDesigns.etsy.com

Cloudberry And Moss

Rules were made to be broken.  (At least that was my mantra as a teenager, lol.)  In order to bring you the best products and best shops, I have to hold each shop up to a set of criteria.  One item on the punchlist is that the product either has to be unique or be the best of its type.  (Like The Wishing Elephant--she makes baby onesies, but they're above and beyond the usual baby onesie.)  Also, excellent product photography, and great customer feedback play a large part.  Then we come to number of sales.  One of the goals of this blog is to show you successful shops or shops that are on their way to being successful.  So, of course, I have to look at sales.  Right now, CloudberryAndMoss only has one sale.  BUT what caught my eye is that she is a single mom.  There's no doubt about the fact that she has an outstanding product and top-notch photography.  She just needs a little promoting. 

One reason that I chose to promote you is that you are a single mom. I am married to a wonderful husband that I have two kids with and it is difficult getting it all done, even with all of his support. What is the thing that you struggle with most as a single mom?

Hands down, it's getting time to do the things that need to be done. My beautiful 5-year-old rocks my world, but it's hard work, raising a child on your own. I need to get everything done between the time I drop her off at school, until I pick her up. I work as an independent contractor on top of my jewelry business, and I find that to be a great fit for me. I don't understand how other parent's are able to have regular 9 to 5 jobs, given all the unpredictable circumstances that parenthood entails.

I know what moss is but what is cloudberry?

Cloudberries grow in the mythical Swedish forests, often in secluded and moist glades. They make great preserves and liqueur.

On my banner in my etsy shop, you'll be able to see my artistic interpretation of a cloudberry. These beautiful berries remind me of my childhood when my mom and I would take trips with baskets, into the deep, dark forest. They help me remember the wonders of being a child, and the legends that surround the vast, Nordic forests. Who knew what would be lurking behind the big boulder in the shadows of the ancient fir trees. Or if the fog in fact was a band of fairies making their way over the pond. It was all very exciting, and it still is!

How awesome to have grown up on the Swedish west coast. What age did you leave there and why California?

When I was 24 I met my Californian ex-husband in a little coastal town in the north of Spain. I was working there, and he was traveling through. I came to Oakland to visit him and - here I am - seven years later! Sometimes life just takes you places you would have never imagined.

You really do have a beautiful line of jewelry. I love the understated tones and the sweet simplicity in your pictures. Do you have any new pieces that you are working on?

I'm working on some longer silhouettes for necklaces, and I will be adding a category for bracelets as well. My felted flower pieces are my latest creations and there's a lot of unexplored territory there...felted flower earrings are next on my to-do list!

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/pages/Cloudberry-Moss/188131721214501
Blog:  http://www.cloudberryandmoss.blogspot.com/

Etsy:  http://www.cloudberryandmoss.etsy.com/

Go support CloudberryAndMoss!  If you can't make a purchase from her shop right now, she could always use words of encouragement.  Can't we all? 

The Polka Dot Magpie

Even though I'm 33 years old now and have two kids, in my mind's eye when I envision myself, it is with the hips that I used to have, similar to the ones in this picture at right.  Granted, I never had a bird sitting on me while I was naked in front of a picket fence, but that's beside the point.  But not all moms are a slave to the sweets.  Some of them actually (gasp!) workout and eat healthy.  Or they are those girls that everyone is jealous of--the ones that can eat whatever they want and still stay skinny.  The rest of us are still waiting for that day when it all catches up to them....  Nevertheless, I will hold fast to the me of yesteryear.  I can reclaim that flat belly again.  Now whether I will or not is the question....  But enough about me.  Let's talk more about the naked girl with the bird and the woman behind it all.

At first glance, all I saw were the crows. But after going back through your shop, I took notice that you use other birds, too. Why birds?

"Birds are the souls of humans"--someone said that...I believe it.

I have loved birds my whole life. Corvids first, then chickens, then quirky crazy looking exotic ones.

I just got baby chicks and am a poultry judge. See my blog for chick photos.

Most Etsy newcomers (even ones who are painters) often have bad item pictures at first. I don’t see any in your shop, though. Have you had a run in with photography before?

When I first started out in the post college work force I worked in big ad agencies. One of my favorite jobs was styling photos.

My Mom said when I cleaned my room as a kid I arranged everything in still life groupings. My husband just bought me a "big girl camera" Nikon D80. So I am having fun with that.

I was immediately drawn to the story of losing your brother to Vietnam in your post . My own husband (who also deals in knives) lost his brother to Vietnam in the same fashion. The body came back, but not the mind. Are any of your pieces a result of this life experience?

I only lost his soul...he is still alive and behind "the Orange Curtain" in Newport Beach Ca. I believe that's the only way someone could live there is to have NO soul.

Nothing on Etsy. I did do a series of paintings and drawings that had young soldiers in the war with windows of myself (11 years his junior) at birthday parties, and activities I was doing while he was in Viet Nam.

Is it just you and your husband at home now?

Yes. My eldest is in Denver with my only grandchild who is 12. He's visiting "G-dog" right now. Loving having baby chicks to care for and lots of arts and crafts going on. He will make a knife with my husband this week.

I also have an adult son who has high functioning Autism. He's 23, engaged, and completely independent of me. I am so proud of him. He's taken one of his perseverations and turned it into a career. (again see an early blog post about him) He loves vacuum cleaners, and runs a vacuum shop.

What has been the most exciting thing that has happened to you with your store? You seem to be creating quite a buzz about town.

I have 2 stores. ThePolkadotMagpie and PolkadotMagpie. PolkadotMagpie was in Parents and Baby Talk Magazine last year. Huge sales from that.

Recently Pacific Media contacted me about ThePolkadotMagpie and the items I am donating for Japan's relief aid through the Red Cross. They are huge publishers and have Better Homes and Gardens, Prevention, Family Circle. Those pieces will be on the newstands in May.

And I love how she uses the bird in her photography sets.  Too cute!

Her store over at PolkaDotMagpie has almost 650 sales and her store at ThePolkaDotMagpie has just been open for a few months but already has 49 sales.

Be sure to check them both out.  They each have their own "feel".

Now I'm going to go eat chips and salsa, even though it's almost 2 in the morning, because I haven't had any "me" time all day and you're supposed to eat your carbs early in the morning, I think, lol.

Ox Original Art Jewelry

Patsy Ox, owner of Ox Original Art Jewelry, can claim her store's name with pride.  Her jewelry is original, because it is her very own artwork.  In some of her pictures, you can see the sketched image as the backdrop.

From her profile:

My bronze jewelry begins with Bronzclay, a true bronze consisting of 11% tin and 89% copper (not the brass form seen in commercial jewelry). Each piece is created from my sketchbook designs, then sculpted into works of art.

What color(s) would you say turn out the richest after going through your enameling process?

Enamels, like acrylics, are naturally rich and vibrant. I sometimes have to tone them down for special effects – (or to keep them from looking like little piñatas!) Blue and green transparents over a silver base are particularly lustrous and beautiful.

As is the case with most Etsians, I am versed in other art forms besides what I actually have for sale. In my pre-mom days, I used to show my skills with good ol’ pen and paper portraits/drawings. Do you still find time to paint?

I still paint many of the backdrops for my web pages. That way I can illustrate the precise mood and color coordination that I had envisioned for my jewelry. In the home I paint things like floral wreaths over arches, and I developed a technique for painting with texturing mud to create pop-out scenes on various walls. I have also committed to doing a wall mural for a garden at the local Hospice.

Even though I’m a die-hard Texas fan (for the state, not for the sports), I know that Colorado is known for its breathtaking beauty. Do you hike or participate in other nature-loving events?

Like you, we also enjoy traveling to the real Colorado whenever we can get away. You see, we live in the hot, windy, dusty "Kansas" part of Colorado. Here in the Southeastern corner we enjoy long walks and bike rides to seek out nature wherever it can be found; along dry stream beds, cottonwood groves, and in nearby canyons laced with petroglyphs and dinosaur tracks. This time of year we just sit in front of the picture window and watch it blow by.

Concerning the seedpod that you use for your seedpod pendant—does the tree produce a fruit or just more of these seedpods? Are they edible?  (Read her wonderful blog post about the seedpod and its journey into a pendant.)

Thank you for asking! The Earpod tree is truly fascinating. It is the national tree of Costa Rica, and a member of the pea/bean family. In Hawaii and Florida the seedpod is wasted, but the cattle of Costa Rica eat it. The tree produces a ‘powder-puff’ flower in the spring.

What’s up next in your mini-Americana line?

The Americana pieces that have sold quickly are those with which individuals seemed to make a personal connection – those that represent some iconic location or memorable event in their lives. I have been amazed how a little pig pendant with a heart on its rump, or an artist palette pendant with dabs of multicolor paints will sell quickly on Etsy. So I will continue looking for uniquely personalized designs with which someone may form a bond. With these kinds of pieces, it almost needs to be love at first sight.

These kinds of pieces sometimes attract attention in unusual ways. The day after I listed a piece of enamel art showing the Coors Beer logo, I received an e-mail from their legal department demanding that I remove their name from the item’s description!

Obviously, Coors Beer and I have a big differing point.  I'm all about some free advertising!  And, while it would be nice, my cord covers aren't addicting, lol.

I want to personally thank Patsy for being an outstanding Inside Etsy team member.  She is a frequent commentor, not only on the blog posts here but on our team threads as well.  It's people like her that make Etsy the wonderful community that it is!

Tap into Patsy's community at any of the locations below:

Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/OxOriginalArtJewelry

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OxArtJewelry

Blog: http://www.artsyplace.blogspot.com/

Website: http://www.oxalisjewelart.com/

SilverSmack

It takes a special kind of person to live in a nearly year-round winter wonderland. And it ain’t me. Although sometimes the East Texas humidity is enough to make a person insane, my elephant ears are kickin’! Obviously, SilverSmack’s creative flow is not stifled by all of the snow. (Rhyming unintentional. My brain must be in Suess mode, or so I’ve been told.)

 

Have you always lived way up there (Ironwood, Michigan)?

I was born in California because my dad was in the Navy, but we moved to "Big Snow Country" when I was about three.

Your profile informs us that you do a lot of gardening. What type of gardening are you able to do "way up there"?

We have a very short growing season, (having a snowstorm right now ;), but we manage to grow a few acres of fabulous sweet corn, a small plot of tomatoes, a medium-sized plot of red potatoes, some peas, beans, strawberries, broccoli, and some pumpkins and watermelons (but the deer really like those!)

What is the most expensive piece of equipment that your art requires?

Hammers. I love hammers. I never met a hammer I didn't like.

(Browse MetalStop’s hammer selection here.)

I noticed that you work with brass, copper, silver, and gold. Which metal is the most difficult?

Brass is probably the most difficult because it is the hardest and the most stubborn. Silver is usually very cooperative, but brass is a little tricky once in a while.

Are your rings purchased for wedding bands?

I would say probably 85% of my rings are purchased as wedding bands for men and women. I get a lot of requests for custom matching sets. There's something extra special about making something that a couple is going to use as a symbol of their vows. I keep that in mind as I'm making them and I put a lot of love in them too. :)

My own wedding ring is platinum with a beautiful pigeon blood ruby in the center with a spiral of small diamonds around it.  My husband spent a year, unbeknownest to me, having this ring custom made, saving up money, then having the work done as he could afford it.  Love that man!  So I'm all about a custom wedding ring.  Forward this article to anyone who you think might need a hint.

Learn more about all things SilverSmack at the following places:

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/darabriar   
http://www.facebook.com/SilverSmack

Twitter  http://twitter.com/SilverSmack

Blog 
http://moonmystic-buriedinbeads.blogspot.com/

Other  http://www.silversmack.com 
http://www.silversmack.net

Gussied

Forget the First Lady or any of the Hollywood Housewives.  Truly, I don't envy them.  They have someone to do their hair, raise their babies, and sleep with their husbands.  (At least Hilary did.)  While it would be nice to have someone to do my hair, I prefer to raise my own kids and take care of my husband.  The ladies that I really envy are the ones that are like me but have that "got-it-together" look.  Well, if your idea of "got-it-together" is working from home, wearing a nightgown at 9:30 in the morning, eating Apple Jacks, and drinking coffee, then, yes, I've got it together, lol.  Lucky for us SAHMs, Erin, owner of Gussied, can be our role model!

Wow! I really love the new pics! Did you have these professionally done or is photography yet another talent that you have?

I take my own pictures! It's all in the camera, really. :)

Even though we all love what we do, we also need to pay those bills. Are you in the profit part of your business yet?

I started Gussied in February of this year {2011}. I'm not sitting on huge profits right now, but I've been able to keep costs low by asking other Etsians for their vintage scraps, getting some from my mom's collection {she's a total hoarder!}, and scouting out local flea markets for cheap finds. Every penny saved counts!

Have you enjoyed your Etsy experience so far?

I absolutely love Etsy. I've been shopping on there for years and started my first shop {Erin Tagle Design} to sell children's clothing. Once my daughter {11mos} started crawling, sewing became much more difficult. I also wanted to make something funky, fashionable and unique for women of all ages ... then Gussied was born. My sewing has definitely taken a back burner, happily. Etsy is fabulous - it's a great way to gain exposure from individuals and boutiques, it's a great community - I just love chatting with other sellers for their opinions and advice, and obviously, it's a great way to sell what you make.

We also have the Junior League up here in Tyler. The ladies on the board rotate out each year. Is this your year to be “on board”?

I was a 'New Member' of Jr. League Corpus Christi this past year. We just got our 'placements' for next year, and I was appointed by The Board for two important positons - one is New Member Assistant {for next year's class} and the second is to participate on an Action Learning Team. There are only 5 Board appointed positions, and I earned two. It's quite an honor. What can I say, they love me. ;) JK - I'm a SAHM, so I think they know I have the time. Teeheehee!

I’m always trying to find out all that I can about wholesaling. Any advice for those of interested in breaking into that arena?

I've found the most exposure to boutiques on Facebook. All the boutiques have pages, so I seek them out and 'like' them. Then I post on their wall, so they notice me. I'd say that I'm very friendly on FB and it's not always about MY status, but conversing and commenting on others'. It's gets me noticed, my profile pic for Gussied is inticing, and it shows that I'm not always into my self. I've also inlisted the help of The Savvy Socialista to help me get into boutiques - she is AMAZING! She got my cuffs on The Sonoran Living Show in Phoenix, AZ last week! There's a link on my FB page and website. Back to the boutiques: My boutiques get a discount and I don't make as much money, but it's pretty darn cool knowing that girls in Phoenix, Oklahoma, Washington State and of course, Texas, are wearing my cuffs. That's the pleasure I get when making them.

And, being a fellow Texan (born and raised! and bred, lol) I've gotta know--are you a native Texan? I won't hold it against you if you're not. :)

I'm absolutely a Native Texan! I was born and raised in Dallas, attended and graduated from the University of North Texas in Denton, lived and worked in Dallas post-college, and then relocated to Corpus Christi with my husband {for his job} two years ago. While I totally dig travel, I don't see myself ever living outside of Texas y'all!

Now I know this is her wedding picture, but something tells me Erin looks this coiffed (sans veil) every time she steps out of the house.    Isn't she beautiful?

Erin would love for you to friend her, tweet with her, read her blog, or browse her shop at any of the following places:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/gussiedbyerintagle

Twitter: www.twitter.com/erintagle

Blog: http://www.erintagledesign.com/ - I'm moving this to my website soon

Website: http://www.shopgussied.com/

Etsy: http://www.gussied.etsy.com/

Your Daily Jewels / A Repurpose in Life

Every time I receive interview questions back, I am so excited to learn about the person behind the storefront.  And I am never disappointed.  Everyone's love and dedication far exceeds anything Etsy could ever contain.  It's not just about crocheting, making jewelry, or tieing hair bows in order to turn a buck.  There is a real sense of community that we embrace, both in Etsy and in our non-virtual community.  Norah Downey, the owner of Your Daily Jewels and A Repurpose In Life, is your classic example.

I first ran into Norah over at http://www.handmadeology.com/, where we are both writers.  From her profile there, I learned that she is a pediatric physical therapist.  This is what birthed her jewelry making.

I have been a collector of special beads and beautiful stones and baubles since childhood. Years ago, I needed a small reward system for some of my young patients and thought they might enjoy my collection as much as I have. So I began making simple jewelry for them with my collection. I told them a little story behind each bead or stone in their jewelry and the kids loved it. My pieces were a hit and I discovered a new creative outlet.

It's that same beautiful spirit that flows into each of her pieces.  She not only puts her best effort but she puts her self into each creation.

What prompted you to pursue administering physical therapy to disabled kids?

I wanted to work in health care for as long as I remember. I ultimately chose Physical Therapy and I am so glad I did. My first seven years was devoted to working with adults. I started and ran a wheelchair racing program in NYC’s Central Park. We were the first to use the "handcycles" that are commonly seen today. Fantastic fun and rewarding beyond words! But, I had to move from NYC and thus, decided to change paths. I moved up the street from a horse stable where I volunteered with a program for children with disability and was hooked from day one. Children with disability are just kids! People forget this and get all serious around them. I love helping them and I especially love making them laugh.

For the month of April, you are donating 10% of proceeds to the Autism Society of America. Do you select a different cause each month to support?

My mom died of Alzheimer’s last year, so this cause is close to my heart.

I will probably take a month or so off in between each cause, but I plan to support five or six causes a year that are close to my heart for different reasons. The immediate next causes are Haitian Relief, The Lupus Foundation, and an under-served school that my best friend’s children attend.

Are you married with children of your own?

I am married, no children, except the kind that bark, a lot.

You have sold on Ebay for several years but just started on Etsy in the last year. Can you give us a short pros/cons list between the two or maybe just some advice in general about working two different platforms?

We know that Etsy is a handmade community. There are two very important words in this sentence. In my opinion, there is a scarcity of handmade product on Ebay anymore. It has become more of a wholesaler-re-seller marketplace for new items. It is a great place to sell, if this is how you want to do business. The second word is community. Ebay is lacking in any assemblage of community. It is a very cold place to do business.

To sum it up, I love the feeling I get just signing into Etsy in the morning. Signing into Ebay gave me knots in my stomach.

You also have a separate store for jewelry that you "remake" out of vintage pieces. Have you found that running two stores, even though they are both jewelry-oriented, is beneficial to your business?

Yes. One way I find I it beneficial is personally, because my design taste runs the gamut from elegant to quirky.

In "A Repurpose in Life" I create and sell re-loved jewelry and within this platform, I can "get my quirky out" and sell at a lower price point.

Your Daily Jewels is where I get my fix for the elegant.

Next, I would say it has been beneficial for my business because my sales numbers are almost the same between the two stores.

If you're in the mood for shopping, and I know that you are, Your Daily Jewels is having a 15% off sale today.  Remember, 10% of the proceeds supports the Autism Society of America, so you can justify that spending bug you've got.

Norah is also a member of the Jewelry on Etsy Team, aka JET.  If you are also a jewelry-maker on Etsy, you should definitely look into joining JET.

Follow Norah on Facebook and be entered for free monthly give-aways!
http://www.facebook.com/yourdailyjewels

Checkout her blog updates and life tidbits. 

http://www.yourdailyjewels.blogspot.com/



V*Dazzled

Not only does Victoria make must-have wire-wrapped earrings, she is also a Cancer Biology PhD student at Umass Medical School.  It's all I can do to get dinner on the table most evenings!  That's why I love doing these interviews--everyone is such an inspiration to me!  Such beautiful things in her shop!

Have you personally been affected by cancer?

My grandfather died of colon cancer when I was 5 years old, and I know plenty of friends and family whose lives have been affected by the disease. I have always been interested in starting my career in the medical field, most of my life I wanted to be a medical doctor, but when I did a research project for my undergraduate degree I became passionate about research which led me to grad school to get my PhD in cancer biology. In addition to contributing to cancer treatment research, I also think the science behind the broad disease of cancer is fascinating.

What charity would say is the most beneficial to the cure for cancer cause?

I would say the American Cancer Society (ACS) is the most widely beneficial charity. It contributes money to many different types of cancer whereas a lot of other charities are specific to one type of cancer only. The ACS is the foundation that holds the Relay for Life in many different locations and this is a fun and social way to raise money for cancer!

Your shop started out as a hobby, but with over 200 in sales in 8 months, you could really make this into more than hobby. Several of the people that I have interviewed (or will be interviewing) have walked away from their career to focus on their Etsy shop. Thoughts?

Intriguing question....I would never want to give up science. I do love making jewelry and seeing the growth of my small business but I'm just not sure it would satisfy me as a full time job the way research does. As it is now, my etsy shop has become quite busy (my wire wrapped studs have really taken off) so basically, I am working, with school and jewelry, from when I wake up in the morning until when I go to bed at night....so we will just have to see how everything falls into place in the future.

What has been the most helpful advice that you have received about your Etsy business?

Let's see....I'm going to include more than one thing because it was really a mixture of things that has helped me start to become a bit successful. By far the most important advice was tips on how to take good photos (which I'm still working on) you need to get noticed when customers search the very large jewelry category and the only way to do this is with awesome photos! The second most important thing is to come up with a unique item and run with it, I really don't remember how I came up with the first pair of wire wrapped studs but once I started making multiple color combos and had a large selection, they started selling and since this is my most unique item, it takes up most of my shop. And lastly, my best marketing strategies so far have been word of mouth through friends and family and renewing/relisting 5 items per day Mon-Fri on etsy.

Have you completed the birthstone series yet? I'm a ruby!

I have not completed this series yet, it should be completed by June! And I have some other ideas for the studs stored in my head until I have the time to get them started! :)

Mother's Day, graduation, or Just Because!  Go support Victoria in her journey of helping find a cure for cancer.  30% of the procees from the sale of her bracelets for cancer go to the American Cancer Society.

Bully Paws

Alfalfa, Darla, Spanky, Buckwheat, Froggy, Porky, Wheezer, and Petey, to name a few.  All of you young Etsians who are wondering who those people are will just have to google "The Little Rascals", if you don't know what I'm talking about.  This was back many moons ago, when TV shows were in black and white and actors didn't get paid royalties.  (The image at left was a movie based on the original television series)  "What in the world does this have to do with BullyPaws?", you might ask.  Petey was a part of the gang, but he wasn't a kid.  Petey was their pet pit bull.  And he's not the only famous pit bull.  Click here to learn more about famous pits.

I was attacked by my dad's dog when I was three.  It nearly killed me.  AND IT WASN'T A PIT BULL!  Everytime you hear of a dog attack in the news, it was a "pit bull" or "pit bull mix".  After my near-death experience, I was terrified of dogs, regardless of the breed.  This was a problem, because my grandmother bred dogs--chihuahuas, dachsunds, poodles, and yorkies.  I carried this fear into my adult life, until at 20 when I bought a puppy Rottweiler and fell in love.  He was a wonderful dog!

Since that time, I have owned several large breed dogs, mostly bulldogs.  A bulldog doesn't just mean "pit bull".  We currently have a beautiful, white boxer.  They're like overgrown Boston Terriers, but most boxers don't bark, thankfully, unless they are alerting you.  That's our beautiful girl, Jasmine, to the right.  She sits, stays, rolls over, and stands all with hand commands.  Super intelligent dog!

Let's learn a little bit about BullyPaws mascot and shop.

Unfortunately, pit bulls have been bred beyond their original intent and have little resemblance to their origin, except for their loyalty to their families. Having owned pit bulls, I am all too familiar with the judgment that is passed against them and against their owner. Tell us a little bit about your own pit bull.

I adopted my Pit Bull from "Home at Last Rescue" in Berkeley, CA. She was about a year and a half old at the time. I found her online, and her picture was gorgeous. She loves all people, big and small, young and old! She has her Canine Good Citizen certificate and has done lots of training and knows a few tricks. She's a great dog, and such a goofball!

In your profile, you stated that you also have a cat. How do those two get along?

Famously! My Pit Bull absolutely LOVES cats, and won't even chase stray or roaming cats. She is so good with them. I have fostered 3 kittens this past year, and she even let one of them nurse on her!

You seem to be a pretty busy girl--college, working at the shelter, web design, and running an Etsy shop. Are you single or do you have a gaggle of children that also demand your attention?

I am single, just a student with my pack of animals. Etsy is really just a "side job" for now. My volunteer work is done at home, and my web design/graphic design/print design business hasn't really taken off yet, as I am still working on that process. So I'm really not as busy as it seems!

Right now your shop is split between damask-centered objects and doggie doo-dads. Are you going to keep them under the same roof or split your shop?

  

I'm going to keep them under the same roof for now. Maybe, if this shop gets more recognition, maybe get some more sales, (a lot more!) I may start another. But I think Damask and Dogs go hand in hand! I may even collaborate the two and make damask print dog silhouettes! (Idea courtesy of MamaMellyMartin!)

BullyPaws submitted the work below to the Handmade Top 10 Pet Accessories list and claimed spot 3!

If you are a doggie lover or are looking for a gift for someone who is, give BullyPaws shop a browse.

Shop:  http://www.bullypaws.etsy.com/

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/#!/dulcethepitbull

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bully-Paws-on-Etsy/131814913536964